Package construction



Nov. 4, 1969 T. E. KIRBY, JR 3,476,237

SSSSSSSSSSSS h Nov. 4, 1969 T. E. KIRBY, JR 3,476,237

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 17, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 f3- E I J7 40 40 z 47 I I 1 j I 47 l {0 mm 3 14 43 M FIG.6

FIG.7

INVENTOR THOMAS E. KIRBY, JR.

BY M GMLUPQM' HIS ATTORNEYS Nov. 4, 1969 T. E. KIRBY, JR

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 17, 1967 FIG.9

R W IU aw mm p NK w M m M 0 9 H TM Y B HIS ATTORNEYS FIG. IO

Nov. 4, 1969 T. E. KIRBY, JR

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 17, 1967 M FIG. l6

iii

INVENTOR THOMAS E. KIRBY, JR.

BY M4,, 9% l-Q FIG. I8

HIS ATTO RNEYS Nov. 4, 1969 T. E. KIRBY, JR 3,476,237

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 17, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR THOMAS E. KIRBY, JR

HIS ATTORNEYS United States Patent PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Thomas E. Kirby, Jr., Chesterfield County, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 17, 1967, Ser. No. 675,878

Int. Cl. B6511 79/00, 71/00, 65/16 US. Cl. 20647 15 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to an improved package construction wherein a clip is fastened against an end portion of a plurality of containers and a plastic overwrap is wrapped around the containers and clip to firmly lock the clip against such containers and provide a high strength unitary package construction.

Background of the invention Many products are sold in individual containers such as cans, bottles, or the like, in which a plurality of such containesr are offered for sale in a disposable package. Often a premium is offered to induce a potential customer to buy the particular product. Because of the competitive nature of the particular products merchandised in this manner, it is important that the package construction used for such a package be inexpensive to produce, of high strength, and easy to use. Further, such package constructure should enable the economical packaging of a premium with a plurality of such containers.

Summary This invention provides an improved high strength package construction for a plurality of containers, such as bottles, cans, or the like, which is simple and economical. Further, this invention provides an improved package construction which is particularly adapted to enable the packaging of a premium with a plurality of containers at minimal cost.

Other details, uses, and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the following description of the embodiments thereof presented in the accompanying drawings proceeds.

Brief description of the drawings The accompanying drawings show present preferred embodiments of this invention, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating one eX- emplary embodiment of this invention which utilizes a pair of clips each fastened in position to associated cans of a package construction and with such clips and cans overwrapped with a transparent plastic material;

FIGURE 2 is a view on the line 2--2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the line 33 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged sectional view with parts broken away on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the package construction of this invention which utilizes a bottom single-piece clip in association with a plurality of four cans and an overwrap;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the package construction of this invention which utilizes two clips provided at the top of a plurality of six cans and a transparent plastic overwrap in which finger-receiving openings have been provided in the transparent overwrap and in the clips to enable easy carrying of such package construction;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;

3,476,237 Patented Nov. 4, 1969 FIGURE 8 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the package construction of this invention which utilizes a single-piece clip in association with a plurality of six cans and a transparent plastic overwrap;

FIGURE 9 is a schematic view in elevation illustrating the clip of FIGURE 8 being formed bewteen a pair of cooperating dies;

FIGURE 10 is a plane view particularly illustrating the configuration of the lower die of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the package construction of this invention which utilizes a top and bottom clip fastened between a pair of cans which are held by the clip in spaced apart relation and which has a premium supported between the top and bottom clips and a transparent overwrap which enables easy viewing of the cans and premium;

FIGURE 12 is a top view of the package construction of FIGURE 11 with a portion thereof broken away;

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 13-13 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on line 14--14 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary perspective view particularly illustrating openings in the bottom clip shown in FIGURE 11 and projections in the premium which cooperate to hold the premium in position;

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the package construction of this invention which comprises a plurality of five cans and has a premium mounted between the top and bottom clips of the two front cans;

FIGURE 17 is a fragmentary perspective view with parts in section showing openings in the premium and projections in the bottom clip which cooperate to hold the premium in position in the package construction of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 18 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the package construction of this invention in which four cans are shown arranged in a rectilinear path and which have a single substantially elongated clip fastened in position across the top of the cans;

FIGURE 19 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of this invention which utilizes a singlepiece clip fastened in position against the caps of a pair of bottles and illustrating a transparent plastic overwrap wrapped around the bottles and clip;

FIGURE 20 is a view looking normally toward the bottom of the clip illustrated in FIGURE 19; and

FIGURE 21 is a fragmentary view with parts in section and parts broken away on the line 2121 of FIGURE 19.

Description of illustrate-d embodiments "overwrap 33 is wrapped around the cans 31 and clips 32 so as to lock such clips against the cans 31 and provide a high strength unitary package construction which is of the utmost simplicity and can be produced with great economy.

The plastic overwrap 33 may be provided initially in the form of a tubular sleeve which has open ends and which is adapted to be pulled around the cans 31 and clips 32. With the plastic sleeve thus pulled in position, the entire assembly is then placed in a heated atmosphere which causes the tubular plastic sleeve to shrink around the cans 31 and clips 32 to provide the package construction or package 30 illustrated in FIGURE 1.

Each can 31 has a pair of chimes, each designated by the same reference numeral 36 comprising its bottom and top portion respectively. Each clip 32 has a plurality of grooves formed therein and each designated by the reference numeral 40, see FIGURE 3, and each groove 40 is adapted to receive a portion of the chime 36 of an associated can therewithin.

Each clip 32 is fastened to the two center cans 31 and to an associated pair of outer cans. Thus, with each clip 32 being fastened in position to at least one common can 31, it will be apparent that this assures that a unitary package construction is provided.

Inasmuch as the clips 32 of package construction 30 are substantially identical, as previously mentioned, the detailed description will now proceed as it pertains to one of the clips, i.e., the left clip as viewed in FIGURE 2; however, it is to be understood that the description is fully applicable to both clips 32.

Each clip 32 has a substantially planar portion designated generally by the reference numeral 42 and comprised of a plurality of coplanar outer sections each designated by the same reference numeral 50 and each adapted to be fastened in position against an associated can 31. Each clip 32 also has a plurality of integral clamping portions provided therein defined by a corresponding plurality of integral convolutions and each convolution is designated by the reference numeral 43.

Each convolution 43 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional outline as seen at 44 in FIGURE 3 and the space between the parallel legs of each U-shaped convolution defines an associated previously mentioned groove 40. Also, it will be appreciated that each convolution 43 may be thought of as an outward projection above planar surface 42 with an associated groove 40 provided therein.

Each integral clamping portion defined by a convolution 43 has a configuration that corresponds to the chime 36 of an associated can which is to be wedged therebetween, i.e., in which the particular clamping portion is to be snap-fitted therearound. Although, the amount that a particular integral clamping portion is to extend around an associated chime 36 may vary from one package construction to another, it is desirable that each integral clamping portion in the case of a right circular cylindrical can having a circular chime should extend through an arc of not less than 90 degrees'to provide a package construction having optimum rigidity.

In' particular, it is desired that for each particular can 31 the integral clamping portion should extend through an are which is beyond the point of taug'encyof any two cans 31 adjoiningthe paritcular can: Also, at the point oftangency of any two cans two grooves40 blend smoothly together to define a common comparatively wider channel for a short distance and, as shownat 45 in FIGURE 4, which allows the chimes 36 of the adjoining cans 31 to be firmly held in side-by-side relation.

As will be apparent from FIGURES3 and 4 of the drawings,,each substantially U-shaped convolution 44'extends outwardly of the substantially planar surface 42 and is dimensioned so that the height of each convolution 43 outwardly of an end surface 47 of each can 31' corresponds to the outward extension of a'chime'36 outwardly of its end surface 47.

As previously mentioned, the substantially planar surface 42 of clip 32 is defined by a, plurality of coplanar outer sections 50.. Each section 42 has a configuration, approximately semicircular, which corresponds to the configuration of an associated end surface 47 of a can 31. Clip 32 also has a central section 51 which may be provided with integral parallel spaced apart corrugations or strengthening ribs designated by the numeral at 52. The central section 51 of clip 32 is arranged substantially coplanar with sections 50; however, in this example of the invention central section 51 is shown as being arranged inwardly of sections 50 by an amount indicated at 53 in FIGURE 3.

A typical six pack is shown in FIGURES 1-4 of the drawings in which the cans 31 are arranged in two parallel rows having three cans in each row and the clips 32 are each fastened in position against four associated cans with each clip 32 being fastened against the two center cans 31. The plastic overwrap 33 is then fastened in position to define the high strength package 30. Each clip 32 prevents its associated cans -31 from being moved in a horizontal plane with respect thereto and upon fastening the plastic overwrap 33 in position each clip 32 is locked in position to assure that it will not become dislodged during subsequent carrying and handling of the package 30.

Thus, it is seen that the structural arrangement of each clip 32 comprising package 30 is such that once the plastic overwrap 33 is fastened in position the outer surface 46 of each convolution or projection 43 is engaged by plastic overwrap 33 to thereby urge each clip 32 against cans 31. With this construction there is little likelihood that a twisting of the package would cause the clips 32 to be disengaged from the lower end portions of the cans 31. In addition, the structural arrangement of the clips 32 is such that once they are locked in position by the plastic overwrap 33 there is little likelihood that the chimes 36 of adjoining cans will tend to ride one above the other during the carrying and handling of the package 30.

As will be apparent from FIGURE 2 of the drawings each clip 32 is constructed so as to utilize a minimum amount of material. In particular, it will be seen that each clip 32 is substantially pentagonal and has an area which is substantially smaller than the peripheral area bounded by its associated four cans 31.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 5 of the drawings wherein a package construction designated generally by the reference numeral 30A is illustrated. The package construction or package 30A is comprised of a plurality of four cans each designated by the numeral 31A which are substantially identical to the cans 31 previously described; therefore, in a similar manner as described previously, cans 31A have a pair of chimes 36A comprising the top and bottom ends thereof and each chime 36A extends outwardly of an associated end surface 47A.

The package 30A has a clip 32A fastened in position againstthe bottom chimes 36A of cans 31A and the clip 32A of this example of the invention has a substantially rectangular peripheral outline. The clip 32A is very similar to clip 32 previously described and performs a similar function. Therefore, those portions thereof which are very similar to corresponding parts of clip 32 will be designated by the same reference numerals as corresponding parts of clip 32 followed by the letter designation A and not described again in detail. T The clip 32A has a substantially planar surface 42A comprised of a plurality of substantially coplanar sections shown as a central section 51A-and four outer sections 50A which in this example are symmetrically arranged therearound. The clip 32A is fastened in position so that its integral clamping portions defined by convolutions 43A 'are' each snap fitted around a portion of an associated chime 36A of a can 31A essentially in a manner as previously described in connection with the clamping portions 43 'of clip 32 comprising package 30. The cans 31A and clip 32A are then held together as a unitary package construction by a heat-shrinkable transparent plastic overwrap 33A which is suitably fastened in position in a similar manner as previously described in connection with package 30.

Thus, it is seen that a single-piece clip 32A is effectively utilized in association with a plurality of four cans to provide another embodiment of the improved package construction of this invention.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 6- and 7 of the drawing. The package construction of FIGURES 6 and 7 is very similar to the package construction 30; therefore, such package construction will be designated generally by the reference numeral 303 and parts thereof which are substantially identical to corresponding parts of package construction 30 will be designated by the same numeral as in package construction 30 also followed by the letter designation B and not described again. Only those component parts which are different from corresponding parts of package construction 30 will be designated by a new numeral also followed by the letter designation B and described in detail. The package construction or package 30B also utilizes a pair of clips 32B; however such clips are shown as being fastened in position to define the top portion of package 30B.

Each clip 32B of package 30B has an opening 54B extending therethrough. The plastic overwrap 33B has a pair of openings each designated by the same numeral 553 provided therein and each opening 55B is arranged in aligned relation over an associated opening 54B in a clip 32B so as to enable the insertion of an object such as a finger through openings 54B and 55B to enable easy carrying of the package 30B.

The opening 54B in each clip 32B may be suitably formed therein simultaneously with the forming of the clamping portions or convolutions 43B. However, the openings 55B in the plastic overwrap 33B are preferably formed after heat shrinking the plastic overwrap 33B in position. One technique which may be used in forming each opening 55B is to insert a heated tool such as a pointed conical tool through the plastic overwrap 33B to thereby define an opening 55B aligned above a cooperating opening 54B and simultaneously provide an annular bead 56B around the opening 55B. The heated tool causes the plastic 33B to expand so that bead 56B has high strength and assures the plastic overwrap 33B adjoining each bead 56B will not tear during carrying of the package 30B.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 8 of the drawing. The package construction of FIGURE 8 is similar to the package construction 30; therefore, such package construction will be designated generally by the numeral 30C and parts thereof which are similar to corresponding parts of package construction 30 will be designated by the same numeral as in package construction 30 also followed by the letter designation C and not described again.

The main difference between package construction or package 30C and package 30 is in the clip 32C used in package 30C and fastened in position against its top end portion. The clip 32C is made in a single piece for maximum economy and as will be apparent from the following description.

The clip 32C has an elongated central portion 60C which is arranged parallel to the two parallel rows of cans 31C and central portion 60C has a width which extends over only a fractional part of the top surface 47C of each can 31C arranged therebeneath. The central portion 60C of clip 32C has a pair of opposite side edges 61C and a plurality of symmetrically arranged arms 62C extending from each of its side edges. Each arm 62C overlaps only a fractional part of the top surface of two cans which are arranged therebeneath. The rigid clip 32C has integral clamping portions defined by integral convolutions 43C and each integral clamping portion is clamped or snapped around the chime end 36C of an associated can 31C in a manner as previously described in detail and hence such description will not be repeated.

The rigid clip 32C is made utilizing a minimum amount of structural material and so that a maximum number of clips may be obtained from a rectangular sheet of stock. FIGURES 9 and 10 illustrate the manner in which a single sheet of material 64 may be formed between a pair of cooperating dies 65 and 66 to define a plurality of three elongated formed members each indicated by the same reference numeral 67 at three locations in FIG- URE 10. Each clip 32C is cut from an elongated member 67 simply by severing across the elongated central portion of such elongated member. FIGURE 8 shows one clip 32C in position on package 30C and by dotted lines shows the relative positions of two adjoining clips on either side thereof which may be formed from the same sheet of material.

The sheet of material 64 may be formed against the lower die 65, which has a configuration essentially as shown in FIGURE 10 of the drawings, by clamping the upper die 66 which has a cooperating configuration thereagainst. In effect, the dies 65 and 66 have cooperating grooves and projections therein corresponding in size and configuration to the end portions of associated cans.

Therefore, it is seen that for a given size can it is a simple matter to cut each member 67 so that it has two arms 62C extending outwardly of its central portion to define a clip for a four pack, four arms 62C extending from its central portion to define a clip for a six pack, six arms for an eight pack, etc.

In the presentation of FIGURE 9 a sheet of material 64 is shown as being formed between cooperating dies 65 and 66. Another technique which may be used is to form the clip of a plastic material which softens considerably when heated. The sheet of heated plastic material 64 may then be pulled against the lower die 65 using a vacuum, or the like, to form the desired contours in the sheet 64. Upon cooling such contours would remain as an integral part of the sheet and define a plurality of members similar to member 67 previously described and from which the clips 32C could be formed.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 11-14 of the drawings. The package construction of FIGURES 11-14 is similar to the package construction 30; therefore, such package construction will be designated generally by the reference numeral 30D. Parts of the package construction 30D which are similar to corresponding parts of package construction 30 will be designated by the same reference numeral as in package construction 30 also followed by the letter designation D and not described again.

Package construction 30D has a pair of cans 31D arranged in spaced apart relation and a pair of clips, each designated by the numeral 32D, is utilized in the package construction 30D. In this example, one clip 32D is fastened against the bottom chimes 36D while another clip 32D is fastened in position against the top chimes 36D. A premium 72D is provided and such premium is supported between the top and bottom clips 32D and a plastic overwrap 33D is then fastened in position therearound. As previously mentioned, the plastic overwrap 33D is preferably transparent so that the premium, which in this example is in the form of a doll, is readily visible.

As seen particularly in FIGURE 15 of the drawings, the bottom clip 32D preferably has a pair of openings or holes designated by the numeral 73D provided therein, and each opening 73D is adapted to receive a projection 74D extending from one of the dolls legs. The cooperating holes 73D and projections 74D assure that the premium or doll 72D is firmly held in position against horizontal movement and upon fastening the top clip 32D in position and overwrapping the package construction 30]) With the transparent plastic material 33D a package is defined in which the premium is securely held therewithin and reasonably protected against pilferage since it would be necessary to destroy the package construction in order to obtain the premium 72D.

As in the case of clip 32 the clip 32D has a substantially planar portion 42D which is comprised of a plurality -of substantially coplanar sections shown as oppositely arranged outer sections 50D which lie flush against the end surfaces 47D of associated cans 31D and a. central portion 51D which is also provided with a plurality of integral ridges or corrugations as at 75D in FIGURE 13 to provide added strength and rigidity therefor. The central section 51D also has a plurality of substantially larger ridges, i.e. larger vertical height, each designated by the same reference numeral 76D which are arranged adjacent the Opposite side edges thereof. The ridges 76D help provide added strength and rigidity for clips 32D and hence the package 30D.

As in the case of the previous embodiments of this invention, the central portion 51D of this example is arranged slightly inwardly of the outer peripheral sections 50D by a height as shown in exaggerated view at 77D in FIGURE 14. However, in the case of a package similar to package 30D is may be desired to substantially increase the height between the central portion 51D and outer sections 50D to provide a package which could be less affected by twisting.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 16 of the drawings in connection with a plurality of five cans with a premium arranged in position between the front two cans. The package construction of FIGURE 16 is similar to package constructions 30 and 30D; therefore will be designated by the numeral 30E and component parts thereof similar to corresponding parts of package constructions 30 and 30D will be designated by the same reference numerals also followed by the letter designation E and not described again.

The package construction 30E has five cans 31E and has clips 32E constructed to accommodate the five cans and a premium between the front two cans which are arranged in spaced apart relation. The package construction 30E highlights that a premium may be packaged with any number of cans yet using the improved clip construction of this invention with its integral clamping portions or convolutions.

The clip construction of this invention may also be modified to include projections extending therefrom which are adapted to 'be inserted in cooperating openings in a premium to hold such premium in position. In particular, FIGURE 17 shows openings 78E provided in the doll 72B and within which cooperating projections 79E provided in clip 32E extend to hold the doll 72E firmly in position against horizontal movement.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 18 of the drawings and designated generally by the numeral 30F and because its component parts are similar to corresponding parts of previous embodiments they too have been designated by the same reference numerals as before followed by the letter designation F. The package construction of FIGURE 18 utilizes a plurality of four cans 31F arranged in a rectilinear path. A top clip 32F is locked and held in position by a plastic overlap 33F in a manner as previously described in connection with the clips 32 and plastic overwrap 33 of the package construction 30.

The clip 32F extends across the top surfaces of the four cans 31F essentially parallel to their diameters. The width of the clip 32F is comparatively small as compared to the diameter of such cans yet because of its clamping portions 43F it provides an adejquate fastening action with minimum use of clip material.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 19-21 of the drawings. The package construction of FIGURES 19-21 is similar to the package construction 30; therefore, such package construction will be designated generally by the reference numeral 30H. The package construction 30H utilizes a clip 32H in association with a'plurality of bottles, shown as a pair of bottles, each designated by the same reference numeral H. Each bottle 80H has a closure cap 81H provided with a lower substantially annular edge 82H extendin therearound, The cap 81H is utilized to seal the bottle 80H in a known manner.

The clip 32H has a pair of integral spaced apart caplike portions each designated by the same numeral 83H. Each cap-like portion 83H has an inwardly directed annular flange 84H which is adapted to be snap-fitted around an annular edge 82H of an associated cap 81H to thereby fasten the rigid clip 32H in position against the caps 81H provided at the top of the bottles 80H.

A transparent heat shrinkable plastic material is again utilized and designated by the reference numeral 33H to correspond to the similar plastic overwraps utilized in previously described embodiments of this invention. The rigid clip 32H has a central substantially planar portion 51H which is provided with a plurality of small central ridges shown at SSH and comparatively larger size ridges 86H adjoining its opposite side edges. The ridges 86H are utilized in much the same manner as the ridges 76D of the clip 32D to provide the clip 32H with added strength and rigidity.

The containers utilized in the improved package construction of this invention may also be made of any suitable material and contain any product such as food products, as well as any other desired product. In addition, the particular containers may be in the form of cans and/or bottles which may be made of metal, plastic, or any other desired material.

Also, while the various cans illustrated in the drawings of this invention are shown as having a chime comprising each of its opposite ends, it will be appreciated that the improved package construction of this invention lends itself to using cans having a chime provided at only one end thereof.

Each exemplary package construction of this invention provides a unitary high strength construction which assures that the containers and clips are held together by the plastic overwrap to prevent relative movement (as well as preventing chime ride) between the various containers in a given package construction. In addition, the package construction is such that any twisting of a particular package will not tend to loosen or weaken the package inasmuch as a particular clip is always held sandwiched tightly against its associated containers.

As previously indicated, the plastic clips defining the various package constructions 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, and 301-1 may be made of any suitable metallic or nonmetallic material; however, such clips made of plastic materials such as styrene, rigid vinyl, and polyethylene have prove-n quite successful and have been comparatively inexpensive to produce.

The plastic overwrap used in the various package constructions presented in this specification may be in the form of a laminate. The plastic films employed in such a laminate can be of any material which allows the film to undergo a substantial degree of stretching to achieve molecular orientation, such as polyvinyl-chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, rubber hydrochloride, polyamide, polyester, styrene, and vinyl nitrate rubber. Polyvinylchloride has been found especially suitable.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination: a plurality of containers, a first substantially rigid clip fastened to one end portion of each of said containers to hold each of said containers in position relative to said clip, and an overwrap wrapped around and locking said clip against said containers to provide a high strength unitary package construction said first clip comprising a substantially planar portion of a given thickness which provides added strength for said package construction.

2. A combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said clip further comprises a plurality of integral ridges extending transverse to its planar portion and providing greater rigidity for said package construction.

3. A combination as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a second substantially rigid clip fastened to the opposite end portion of each of said containers prior to placing said overwrap in position therearound, said second clip comprising a substantially planar portion of a given thickness which helps provide said added strength, and said plurality of containers comprising a plurality of cans each having a chime comprising each of its end portions and each rigid clip having a plurality of grooves provided therein, each of said grooves being adapted to receive a portion of a chime of an associated can therewithin in wedged relation to fasten each clip to its associated can and help prevent chime ride between adjoining cans.

4. A combination as set forth in claim 2 in which said plurality of containers comprise at least two containers arranged in spaced apart relation with said rigid clip extending therebet-ween and further comprising a premium arranged between said two containers, holding means provided on said clip, and cooperating holding means provided on said premium, said holding means holding said premium against movement relative to said clip and in a direction parallel to said planar portion.

5. A combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said plurality of containers comprise a plurality of bottles each having a closure cap provided with a lower substantially annular edge extending therearound, said clip has a plurality of integral spaced apart cap-like portions corresponding in number to said number of bottles and each having an inwardly directed annular flange adapted to be snap-fitted around an annular edge of an associated cap, each cap-like portion having its top surface arranged in a common plane outwardly of, substantially parallel to, and spaced from said planar portion and the arrangement of said cap-like portions and planar portion providing said package construction which is less afiected by twisting.

6. In combination: a plurality of cans each having an end surface and a chine extending outwardly thereof, a clip having a substantially planar surface and a plurality of integral clamping portions, each clamping portion of said clip having a contour which corresponds to and is snap-fitted around an associated chime to hold said clip against said end surface of each can, and a plastic overwrap wrapped around said containers with said clip fastened in position to lock said clip and containers together to provide a high strength unitary package construction, said substantially planar surface being defined by a plurality of coplanar sections corresponding in number to said plurality of cans with each coplanar section having an area smaller than the area of the end surface of its adjoining can, and each coplanar section being held firmly against its associated end surface by said plastic overwrap to provide said package construction having greater structural rigidity.

7. In combination: a plurality of cans each having opposed end surfaces and a chime extending outwardly from each end surface, a first clip, a second clip, said clips being fastened to said opposed end surfaces and each of said clips having a substantially planar surface and a plurality of integral clamping portions, each clamping portion of each clip having a contour which corresponds to and is snap-fitted around an associated chime to hold its associated clip against an end surface of an associated can, and a plastic overwrap wrapped around said containers with each clip fastened in position to lock the clips and containers together to provide a high strength unitary package construction, each substantially planar surface of each clip being defined by a plurality of coplanar sections corresponding in number to said plurality of cans with each coplanar section having an area smaller than the area of the end surface of its adjoining can and each coplanar section being held firmly against its associated end surface by said plastic overwrap to provide said package construction having greater structural rigidity.

8. A combination as set forth in claim 7 and further comprising a premium arranged between said clips, holding means provided on one of said clips, and cooperating holding means provided on said premium, said holding means being brought into cooperating engagement to hold said premium in position prior to overwrapping said plastic overwrap therearound and hold said premium against movement relative to said one clip in a direction parallel to the planar surface thereof, said premium being protected by said overwrap against pilferage making it necessary to destroy the package construction in order to obtain the premium.

9. A combination as set forth in claim 6 in which said clip has an opening formed therein and said plastic overwrap has a cooperating opening formed therein after defining said package construction by inserting a heated tool therethrough to define said cooperating opening and simultaneously define an annular bead therearound, said openings enabling a finger to be inserted therethrough for easy carrying of said package construction and said bead assuring said plastic overwrap will not tear.

10. A combination as set forth in claim 6 in which each of said integral clamping portions is defined by a convolution which extends outwardly of said coplanar sections and has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional outline, the outer edge of each convolution is engaged by said plastic overwrap to assure said clip is firmly locked in position and each coplanar section is held firmly against its associated end surface, said clip having a central planar portion arranged inwardly of and parallel to said coplanar sections and the arrangement of said central portion and coplanar sections providing said package construction which is less affected by twisting,

11. A combination as set forth in claim 10 in which said plurality of cans comprises at least two cans arranged in spaced apart relation and defining a premiumreceiving space therebetween, said plastic material comprises a transparent plastic material, and further comprising a premium arranged in said premium-receiving space and confined in position by said transparent plastic overwrap.

12. A combination as set forth in claim 10 in which said clip is made from a plastic material which is heated and formed against a die having surface portions and projections corresponding respectively to said end surfaces and chimes of said cans with said cans arranged in in the desired side-by-side relation.

13. A combination as set forth in claim 10 in which said central planar portion has a plurality of integral ridges arranged transverse thereto and providing greater rigidity for said package construction.

14. A combination as set forth in claim 13 in which said internal ridges are arranged in parallel spaced apart relation and certain ones of said ridges have a larger vertical height than others of said ridges.

15. A combintion as set forth in claim 11 and further comprising a projection extending from said premium and a cooperating opening in said central planar portion adapted to receive said projection therewithin to thereby hold said premium in position relative to said clip.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,663,413 12/1953 Foster 206-45.31

2,815,855 12/1957 Fisher 20665 3,118,537 l/l964 Copping 20665 3,202,448 8/1965 Stern et a1. 20665 3,338,406 8/ 1967 Anderson 206-65 WILLIAM T. DIXSON, JR., Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

